Internship Opportunities for Unemployed Graduates 2026
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development invites unemployed graduates residing in KwaZulu-Natal to apply for the Internship Recruitment Programme for the 2026–2028 intake. The programme offers a valuable opportunity for graduates to gain practical experience and professional development within various fields such as Agriculture, Civil Engineering, Human Resource Management, Financial Management, Supply Chain Management, Information Technology, and many more. Successful applicants will be appointed for a period of twenty-four (24) months, from 01 April 2026 to 31 March 2028, and will receive a monthly stipend based on the NQF level of their qualification.
This initiative aims to equip participants with the technical, professional, and public service skills necessary to enhance their employability within the formal job market. Interns will be placed at different departmental offices across KwaZulu-Natal, including Cedara, Hilton, and Richards Bay. Preference will be given to applicants from previously disadvantaged groups and persons living with disabilities. The closing date for submitting applications is 05 December 2025.
Position: Internship Programme 2026–2028
Stipend: Monthly (based on NQF level)
Duration: 24 Months (01 April 2026 – 31 March 2028)
Location: KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Closing Date: 05 December 2025
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development presents opportunities for the internship intake for the unemployed graduates. Successful applicants will be appointed as interns for twenty-four (24) months as from 01 April 2026 to 31 March 2028 and will undergo on-the-job developmental training in technical, professional and public service skills relevant for them to enter the formal job market.
Appointed interns will be remunerated by means of a monthly stipend depending on the NQF level of qualification as per advert, as well as Department of Public Service Developmental programmes.
Specific requirements:
Applicants must be South African citizens residing in KwaZulu Natal, unemployed, and must be entering the internship programme in the Public Service for the first time.
Knowledge, skills and competencies required: (National Diploma/Degree) in the following fields:
Number of Interns: 1
Reference Number: HR5/1/2025
Qualification: BSc: Agriculture / Civil Engineering (NQF Level 8)
Number of Interns: 2
Reference Number: HR5/2/2025
Qualification: B Tech / Advanced National Diploma: Civil Engineering (NQF Level 7)
Number of Interns: 2
Reference Number: HR5/3/2025
Qualification: Advanced Diploma: Agriculture / B Tech / B Agriculture (NQF Level 7)
Number of Interns: 4
Reference Number: HR5/4/2025
Qualification: ND / Advanced Diploma: Agriculture (NQF Level 6)
Number of Interns: 2
Reference Number: HR5/5/2025
Qualification: Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management
Number of Interns: 4
Reference Number: HR5/6/2025
Qualification: ND / Degree in Human Resource Management / Development
Number of Interns: 2
Reference Number: HR5/7/2025
Qualification: ND / Degree in Labour Relations
Number of Interns: 2
Reference Number: HR5/8/2025
Qualification: Operations Management / Production Management
Number of Interns: 4
Reference Number: HR5/9/2025
Qualification: National Diploma / B Tech / B Com: Financial Management / Accounting
Number of Interns: 2
Reference Number: HR5/10/2025
Qualification: Risk Management / Internal Control
Number of Interns: 2
Reference Number: HR5/11/2025
Qualification: National Diploma / B Tech: Supply Chain Management
Number of Interns: 2
Reference Number: HR5/12/2025
Qualification: National Diploma / Degree / Postgraduate / Honours: Public Policy
Number of Interns: 2
Reference Number: HR5/13/2025
Qualification: National Diploma / Degree: Information Technology
Number of Interns: 2
Reference Number: HR5/14/2025
Qualification: National Diploma / B Tech: Public Relations / Journalism / Media Studies
Number of Interns: 1
Reference Number: HR5/15/2025
Qualification: BSc: Agriculture (Specializing in Soil Science)
Number of Interns: 1
Reference Number: HR5/16/2025
Qualification: BSc: GIS (Technologist)
Number of Interns: 1
Reference Number: HR5/17/2025
Qualification: BSc: Agrometeorology & Hydrology
Number of Interns: 1
Reference Number: HR5/18/2025
Qualification: Not specified in advert
Number of Interns: 1
Reference Number: HR5/19/2025
Qualification: BSc: Grassland Science
Number of Interns: 2
Reference Number: HR5/19/2025
Qualification: BSc: Microbiology (Hons)
Number of Interns: 1
Reference Number: HR5/20/2025
Qualification: BSc: Chemistry (Hons)
Number of Interns: 1
Reference Number: HR5/21/2025
Qualification: BSc: Biochemistry (Hons)
Number of Interns: 1
Reference Number: HR5/22/2025
Qualification: BSc: Plant Pathology (Hons)
Number of Interns: 1
Reference Number: HR5/23/2025
Qualification: BSc: Entomology
Number of Interns: 1
Reference Number: HR5/24/2025
Qualification: BSc: Biometry / Statistics
Number of Interns: 1
Reference Number: HR5/25/2025
Qualification: BSc: Agriculture – Horticulture
Number of Interns: 1
Reference Number: HR5/26/2025
Qualification: BSc: Agriculture – Pasture Science
Number of Interns: 1
Reference Number: HR5/27/2025
Qualification: BSc / Advanced Diploma: Consumer Science
Number of Interns: 1
Reference Number: HR5/28/2025
Qualification: BSc: Agricultural Economics / Agricultural Business Management / Agribusiness
Number of Interns: 3
Reference Number: HR5/29/2025
Qualification: National Diploma: Animal Health
Number of Interns: 11
Reference Number: HR5/30/2025
Qualification: ND / B Tech: Office Administration / Management & Technology / Management Assistance
Total Number of Interns: 62
Criteria: Preference will be given to applicants from the previously disadvantaged groups and those who are living with disabilities. Candidates within specified areas are encouraged to apply.
Directions to applicants: Applications must be submitted on the prescribed Z83 form obtainable from any Public Service Department. All applications must be accompanied by an application letter, certified copies of matric certificate, academic qualifications including statement of results, CV, certified copy of identity Document and an affidavit indicating a place of residence or proof of residence.
Note to candidates: Failure to comply with the above directive will result in the disqualification of application. If you do not hear from the Department three (3) months after the closing date indicated in this advert, kindly regard your application as unsuccessful.
NB: Former interns should not apply, as this is a once-off opportunity. Applications must be posted to: The Director: Human Resource Development, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Private Bag X9059, Pietermaritzburg, 3200 or be hand delivered to Cedara Offices:
Physical Address: Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, R103, 1 Cedara Road, Reception area, Ground Floor, Main Building, or South Service Centre: 4 Pin Oak Avenue, Hilton, 3245, or North Service Centre: Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Richards Bay, Lot 11634, Corner of Verbena and Aloe Loop Street, Velden Vlei, Richards Bay.
Enquiries:
- Mr. SG Langa – Tel: 033 355 9546
- Mr. TE Majola – Tel: 033 343 8012
Closing date: 05 December 2025